12 Quotes That Make You Think about the Deeper Meaning of Life

There are many quotes that make you think. But the best quotes can help us to see the truth more clearly, love more dearly and guide us on our way.

Each of us has a different idea of what gives meaning to life. However, most of us agree that relationships, purpose and a sense of inner peace can give us the deeper meaning we crave. Perhaps, like me, you are attracted to quotes that make you think on these subjects. They resonate deeply with who we are and who we long to be.

In addition, quotes offer us the chance to learn from the wisdom of people who have gone before us, or simply those who have gone through similar experiences. Some quotes can really startle us out of our everyday thinking and guide us to look at everything in a new way. These are my favorite type of quotes as they help me explore the deeper meaning of my life.

Here are some quotes that make you think about the deeper meaning of life.

Quotes that help us love more deeply

As human beings, relationships are one of the most important things in our lives. But they can also cause us a lot of upset and pain. Navigating our way through relationships in life can be hard. Perhaps that is why we like quotes about love and relationships so much.

And, of course, one of the most important relationships is the one we have with ourselves. There is rarely a situation where taking better care of ourselves will not help. We must sometimes let go of our feelings of inadequacy in order to do this.

Our relationships with others are even more difficult. We want to be helpful, loving and supportive of others – but we don’t want to be treated like a doormat along the way!

These quotes make you think about yourself and others in a different way.

The Dalai Lama can always be relied upon to cut to the truth of the matter.

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them” – The Dalai Lama

But loving others is, in my opinion, secondary only to loving ourselves.

Quotes that guide us to our purpose in life

Many of us struggle to find our purpose in life. We often think it is some lofty ideal we must aspire to. And sometimes we have no idea how to find our life purpose or to recognize it when we see it.

However, there are many ways to create a life of purpose and meaning. We all, of course, want to make a difference in the world and hopefully, make it a better place. Still, making the most of this wonderful experience of being alive, and truly appreciating it, has a value all of its own.

Often we may see our life purpose as a duty. But it can also be our greatest joy, especially if we follow our desires and inclinations and use of gifts. Following the guidance of these next quotes can help us.

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“The meaning of life is to adventurously discover our gift. The purpose of life is joyfully share our gift with the world”. – Robert John Cook

Quotes that can change our lives

Some quotes really do have the power to change our lives – they are just so inspiring. These are quotes that we can return to again and again, whenever we need a lift or a boost of inspiration. This kind of quotes can help us overcome our fears and doubts and create a life that is full of joy and meaning.

Gandhi’s wise words always have the power to make me think a little more deeply. However, this Gandhi quote surprised me when I first came across it. It sounds an awful lot like the law of attraction.

“Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request, and everything your heart desires must come to you.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Often our lack of confidence can hold us back from making life-changing decisions and taking life-changing actions. But quotes can remind us that we all lack confidence sometimes and they can also help us get over it. Sometimes, we just have to take things one step at a time.

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

Quotes that comfort us

Perhaps most of all we turn to quotes to comfort and uplift us, especially when we are faced with difficulties, disappointments and heartache. Quotes can offer us comfort at these times. They help us to understand that these trials affect everyone and that we can learn lessons from those who have gone through similar struggles.

They also remind us that we are not alone in our suffering. These quotes can also remind us to be gentle with ourselves at these times.

“The challenge is not to be perfect…it’s to be whole.” – Jane Fonda

“It is only in our darkest hours that we may discover the true strength of the brilliant light within ourselves that can never, ever, be dimmed.” – Doe Zantamata

“What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.” – Ralph Marston

Quotes about the bigger picture

Life can be confusing. We sometimes do not know which is the right path in life or what the best action to take. From our own small perspective, it can be hard to see the wood for the trees.

This last section contains three quotes that make you think about the bigger picture. They can offer us some objectivity when we cannot tell which way to go. These are the kind of quotes it is worth meditating on as they reveal deeper meanings each time we read them.

“Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.” – Joseph Campbell

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” – Nelson Henderson

“Each man must look to himself to teach him the meaning of life. It is not something discovered: it is something molded” – Charles-Augustin Sainte-Beuve

I love to collect quotes and collect them in a little book for when I need a little comfort or inspiration. Also, I write them on post-it notes and stick them to my computer and mirrors where I will see them every day. I hope that little by little, their wisdom will seep into my soul.

Hopefully, you found one or two quotes here to uplift, inspire or comfort you today. We’d love to hear about the quotes that make you think more deeply. Please share them with us in the comments.

Kirstie works as a writer, blogger and storyteller and lives in London with her family of people, dogs and cats. She is a lover of reading, writing, being in nature, fairy lights, candles, firesides and afternoon tea.
Kirstie has trouble sitting still which is why she created www.notmeditating.com to share techniques and practices for tuning out the busy mind.
She is also the author of Not Meditating: Finding Peace, Love and Happiness Without Sitting Still.